Testosterone
Pronounced
"tess-TOSS-ter-own"
Side Effects
Itching, irritation, and discomfort at the application site may occur during the first few days as your body adjusts to the patch. Other side effects may include acne, headache, hair loss, anxiety, and a change in sexual desire. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: breast pain/enlargement, swelling of the feet/ankles (edema), weight gain, very slow/shallow/difficult breathing (possibly while sleeping), unusual weakness, trouble urinating, increased urination (especially at night), mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation, hostility), change in size/shape of the testicles, testicle pain/tenderness, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, fast/irregular heartbeat.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
Rarely, burn-like reactions under the patch may occur. This is most likely to happen if the patch is placed on bony areas of the body (see How to Use section for proper application sites). Permanent scarring may occur, so tell your doctor right away if this type of reaction occurs while you are using this patch.
If you have diabetes, especially if you are using insulin, testosterone may decrease your blood sugar. Be prepared to treat low blood sugar while you are using this medication. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, nervousness, rapid pulse, and sweating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using testosterone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: male breast cancer, prostate cancer, blood clots (such as in the leg, lungs), liver problems, prostate problems (such as enlarged prostate or BPH), heart problems (such as heart failure, heart attack), stroke, kidney problems, diabetes, high cholesterol level, difficulty breathing during sleep (apnea), high blood pressure, bone cancer.
If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. In children, it may affect bone growth. Monitor your child's height periodically.
Some men, particularly older adults, are at a higher risk for developing enlarged prostate or prostate cancer while using this medication. Your risk of prostate problems should be checked by your doctor before you start testosterone.
This medication can affect fertility in males. Ask your doctor for more details.
This medication should not be used by women. Women accidentally exposed to this medication may have side effects due to testosterone. If you notice symptoms in a woman such as changes in body hair or a large increase in acne, talk to her doctor and your doctor right away. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must avoid contact with this medication. This medication may harm an unborn or breastfeeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.
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